Would you be surprised if I let you know that it’s really tricky for the young players to kick the ball with a straight leg? In Coaching soccer drills, this is the trickiest part as far as the players and the coaches are concerned. It calls for the player to keep complete balance and bend the leg at the knee in order to kick the ball. Both poise and power to kick the ball comes from below the knee.

This is the starting point for almost all styles of kicks in soccer practice. The speeding up of the foot from below the knee generates a great impact on the ball. The players get immense power from this to perform several styles of kicks. Yet, it is the kind of contact of the ball with the foot that decides what type of kick would originate.

For example; it could be chipped very high, driven low, swerved left, or swung right.

There are three basic passes in soccer namely, a side foot pass, the outside of the foot pass, and the instep drive. Let’s talk about them further.

Coaching soccer drills

The side foot pass: In teaching soccer, the simplest and the most commonly used pass is this. This is by and large applied to make short distance passes. Despite the fact that this is somewhat slow and predictable, it’s easy to learn and simple to execute. The foot turned outward, ball comes into contact on the outside of the ankle and the foot.

In coaching soccer drills, the players should be trained to keep their bodies relaxed all through the action. The most essential rule pertaining to various kicking action is this. The ankle and the foot need to be stiffened only at the time when the players is about to get in contact with the ball.

Subsequently, as players are convinced of their ability to perform it, the action should come out smooth, natural, and relaxed.

Outside of the foot pass: Since this pass can never be predicted, is pretty accurate and quick, players must be trained on this even though it’s a little tough to master. The ball makes a contact between the laces and the outside edge of the foot, when the foot is extended and turned inward. With the use of a foot, the pass is transformed into a speedy throw for short distances.

In the course of these coaching drills, players should keep their stance relaxed.

The Instep Drive: Both the versions of the instep drive namely, lofted version and the low driven version are applied to pass the ball to longer distances. Once the players are confident in executing it, make a “chip pass” or an “in swinging pass” by introducing some changes in it. Since the approach of the instep drive is slightly angled and the non kicking foot is placed about 12 inches to the side of and behind the ball.

The ball makes a contact with the laces and inside of the foot, which should be firm and extended.

So now coach your kids the various techniques of kicking the ball and with variations to let them do different things with the ball.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in youth soccer coaching and has already helped thousands of youth coaches to dramatically improve their coaching skills. Learn how to explode your players’ skills and make training fun by downloading your free ebook at: Youth Soccer Practice